"No," replied Hugh Boscawen dryly, "he did not even ask for that honour."

"No," I replied, much relieved; "why not?"

"He seemed eager to plead his cause until I told him the truth, and then——"

"What?" I asked.

"He said he would consult his father."

I laughed aloud.

"You seem merry, Trevanion."

"Yes, I am," I replied. "It shows the value of the love he protested at Endellion. But it would not have mattered, she would not have listened to him."

"I suppose I can guess your reason for saying this?"